Braces colors come from the small elastic ties that hold the wire to each bracket. They are replaced at adjustment visits, so your color can change every appointment. Picking well comes down to skin tone, tooth shade and how bold you want to look.
For a lot of kids and teens, choosing colors is the fun part of having braces. Adults ask about it too, usually because they want to know which options will look the most subtle. Either way, a little planning helps you walk out of each visit happy with what you see in the mirror.
What Part of Braces Has Color?
Traditional metal braces have three main parts: brackets bonded to each tooth, an archwire that runs through the brackets and tiny elastic rings, called ligatures or ties, that hold the wire in place. The brackets and wire stay silver. The ties are what carry the color.
On our metal braces, the archwire is held with colored or clear ties, and the braces are customizable with colors of your choice. That means you can go with one color across every tooth, alternate two or three, or pick clear or silver ties for a quieter look.
Because the ties are replaced when your orthodontist adjusts your braces, you are not locked into a color for the whole treatment. Each visit is a fresh chance to try something new. At some stages of treatment, your orthodontist may use a power chain instead of individual ties. A power chain is a continuous row of connected elastic rings that runs across several brackets to help close spaces between teeth. Power chains usually come in the same range of colors, so your look can stay consistent. The rubber bands some patients wear between the upper and lower teeth are a separate part of treatment, and our post on why you need rubber bands with braces explains what those do.
How Do You Pick Braces Colors for Your Skin Tone?
A simple starting point is to choose colors that flatter your complexion, much the way you might choose clothing. These are general guidelines, not rules, and the right answer is the color you like seeing.
If you have a fair or light skin tone, softer shades such as light blue, lavender, pink and bronze tend to blend nicely. Deep, very dark colors can create a stronger contrast. Medium and olive skin tones are often flattered by jewel tones like teal, purple, navy and dark green, as well as warm golds. Deeper skin tones can carry bright, saturated colors such as gold, turquoise, magenta, orange and royal blue, which stand out in a fun way.
Eye color and hair color can also help. Matching a tie color to your eyes, or picking a shade that complements your hair, is an easy way to make the color feel intentional.
Which Braces Colors Make Teeth Look Whiter?
Some colors make teeth look whiter by contrast, and some do the opposite. Darker shades such as navy, deep purple, dark green and dark gray or silver tend to make teeth appear brighter, because the dark color sets off the natural white of the enamel.
Light and warm colors can work against you here. Yellow, light green and some tans or browns can blend with the natural shade of the tooth and make teeth look more yellow. White ties can sound like a good idea, but because they are a different white from your teeth, they can make the enamel look duller next to them.
Clear ties are a popular low-key option, but they can pick up stains from coffee, tea, soda, curry and other strongly colored foods between visits. If you want something that stays subtle all month, silver or gray ties often blend with metal brackets more reliably. Our guide to foods you can and cannot eat with braces has more on what to limit.
| Goal | Colors to try | Colors to think twice about |
|---|---|---|
| Make teeth look whiter | Navy, dark purple, dark green, gray | Yellow, light green, white |
| Low-key, professional look | Silver, gray, clear (watch for staining) | Neon or very bright shades |
| Bold and fun | Turquoise, magenta, orange, royal blue | Colors that clash with daily outfits |
| Seasonal or school spirit | Team or holiday color pairs | Combos that read as a single dark blur |
How Can You Have Fun With Braces Color Combinations?
Many patients like to tie their colors to something happening in their life. School or team colors are a favorite, especially during sports seasons. Holidays inspire plenty of combinations too: orange and black for Halloween, red and green for December, pastels for spring. Some people match a big event, like a dance, a family wedding or a vacation.
Alternating two colors usually looks cleaner than three or more, which can start to look busy. If you want a pattern, try alternating colors between the upper and lower teeth instead of tooth by tooth. A color wheel can help here: shades opposite each other, like blue and orange or purple and yellow, create the most contrast, while shades side by side, like blue and green, look more blended.
If you play a sport, your colors are also a quiet way to show team spirit while you protect your braces. Our post on braces and sports covers mouthguards and other tips for athletes.
What If You Want Braces That Barely Show?
If color is the last thing you want, you still have options. Clear or silver ties on metal braces are the simplest change. For a step further, clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend with the natural color of your teeth. Our post comparing ceramic braces and metal braces explains how the two feel and look day to day.
Some patients choose to skip visible braces entirely with lingual braces placed on the back of the teeth or with clear aligners. Your orthodontist can tell you which of those suits your bite at your consultation.
What Should You Do If a Colored Tie Comes Off?
A tie can slip off or break, especially after biting into something hard or sticky. It is not usually an emergency. If the wire is still held securely by the other ties and nothing is poking, you can simply let your orthodontist know and have it replaced at your next visit, or sooner if the office recommends it.
If a missing tie lets the wire move or a bracket comes loose, call the office for guidance. Our guide to what to do if a bracket breaks or a wire pops walks through the common situations and how to stay comfortable in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I change my braces colors?
You can choose new colors each time your ties are replaced at an adjustment visit. Our post on how often you will need appointments explains the usual rhythm of visits.
Do colored ties stain?
Colored ties can fade a little, and clear ties are the most likely to pick up stains from dark foods and drinks. Brushing after meals and rinsing after coffee, tea or soda helps keep any color looking fresh.
Can adults get colored braces?
Yes. Colors are for anyone who wants them. Many adults choose silver, gray or clear ties for a subtle look, while others enjoy a pop of color just as much as teens do.
Can I get different colors on top and bottom?
Usually, yes. Ask at your visit, and your orthodontic team can place one color on the upper braces and another on the lower braces.
Pick Your First Braces Colors at ARCH Orthodontics
Choosing colors is one of the easiest parts of treatment, and we are always happy to help you narrow down the options. If you or your child is thinking about braces, our orthodontists in Bridgewater, Canton, Hyannis, Hyde Park, Orleans and Westwood can walk you through metal, clear and other choices. Schedule a free consultation to get started.